Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first (and only) female prime minister, passed away on Monday at the age of 87. A polarising figure, her uncompromising leadership style and sharp tongued "Thatcherisms" earner her the moniker of 'Iron Lady'.

"I don't think there will be a woman prime minister in my lifetime." – 1973, as education secretary.

"No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he'd only had good intentions; he had money as well." -- 1980, during interview with Weekend World

"I stand before you tonight in my green chiffon evening gown, my face softly made up, my fair hair gently waved. The Iron Lady of the Western World? Me? A cold war warrior? Well, yes - if that is how they wish to interpret my defence of values and freedoms fundamental to our way of life." -- 1976, after being dubbed the Iron Lady.

"If a woman like Eva Peron with no ideals can get that far, think how far I can go with all the ideals that I have." -- 1980, interview.

"I owe nothing to women's lib." -- 1982, interview.

"To those waiting with bated breath for that favourite media catchphrase, the U-turn, I have only one thing to say, you turn if you want to. The lady's not for turning." -- 1980, Conservative party conference.

"I don't mind how much my ministers talk, as long as they do what I say." -- 1987, interview.

"Defeat? I do not recognize the meaning of the word." -- April 1982, start of the Falklands War

"I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end." -- 1989, interview with the Observer

"I think, historically, the term 'Thatcherism' will be seen as a compliment." -- 1985, speech.

"I was told beforehand my arrival was unscheduled, but on the way here I passed a local cinema and it turns out you were expecting me after all. The billboard read The Mummy Returns." -- 2001, speech at a Conservative general election.

"There is no such thing as society. There are individual men and women, and there are families." -- 1987, interview.

"Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country." -- 1979

"If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time and you would achieve nothing." -- 1989, on her 10th anniversary as prime minister.

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